Wt}t tost 
of Cfjrtstmas 



-BY- 



JULIA M. MARTIN 




PRICE 25 GENTS 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

Franklin, Ohio sb* Denver, Colo. 

944 So. Logan Street 



YOU WILL BE GLAD TO KNOW OF 

THESE NEW PLAYS 

Training Mary 

By Mary Shaw Page, A bright 1-act play with sim- 
ple stage setting. William, husband of Mary, essays 
to train Mary, especially along the lines of correcting 
carelessness. As is always the case, William Tets in 
deep water, but finally wades out. 2 males, 4 fe- 
males, and plays about 45 minutes. Price, 25c. 

The Hired Man's Courtship 

By Alice Cripps. A short comedy-drama in 2 acts. 
Captain Edwards tires of wealth an$ the city, and 
procures work on Hortozi's farm, only to find that the 
farmer's daughter is an eld swee^&eari; Because of 
an intrigue on the part of the c~ ::ain*s cousin, an es- 
trangement takes place, which e:."ds happily when the 
captain finds the source of certain stories and re- 
futes them. Aunt Hepsey, Jim and Ezra (colored), 
add comedy to the piay. Piays about 45 minutes, 
and is for 3 males and 3 females. Price, 25c. 

Merely Anne Marie 

A comedy in 3 acts by Beulah King. 3 males, 5 

"ss. Time, 2/Va hours. The scenes are laid in a 
fashionable bearding house, and the characters are all 
distinct types and worth while. A successful play- 
wright, desiring to escape notoriety, seeks seclusion 
at Mrs. Teague's and becomes the hero of Anne Ma- 
rie, the dining room maid. The dialogue is bright, 
the situations clever and the story ends happily. 35c> 

A Bit of Scandal 

By Fannie Barrett Linsky. Comedy-drama in 2 acts. 
Francina, who is to play at the recital, composes he.- 
own number. On the evening of the recital, Mary 
Sherman, who precedes her en the program, plays 
Francir.a's compositions, which she has stolen. The 
reascr.s for the theft ail come out later and of course, 
all ends well. Nine characters. Plays about 1 hour. 
Price, 35c. 

Miss Burnett Puts One Over 

By Ethelyn Sexton. A rollicking 1-act girls' play for 
6 characters. Barbara's mother has a friend, Ann Bur- 
nett, who is to visit the girls at college, with the in- 
tention cf giving a generous sum to the school. The 
girls, wishing o gain her good will, practice their 
"manners." Miss Burnett, however, appears in dis- 
guise and has much fun at their expense. All ends 
well and the school gets the money. Plays about 45 
minutes. Easy setting and costumes. Price, 25c. 

Eld ridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 

944 S. Logan St. 



THE QUEST OF 
CHRISTMAS 



By JULIA M MARTIN 



COPYRIGHT 1922 
Eldridge Entertainment House 



PRICE 25 CENTS 



PUBLISHED BY 

ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE 
Franklin, Ohio also Denver, Colo. 



-?*<•■** 






The Quest of Christmas 

(The Whitson family have just set up their Christ- 
mas tree, ornamented as yet only with its own dark fol- 
iage, when Mr. Whitson enters.) 

Father — Thought I told you once for all, this year 
we shall have no Christmas. Let us have no fuss about 
it — Christmas wasn't meant for poor folk. What with 
taxes, what with freight rates, what with half a price 
for apples, what with losing on the hay crop, there'll ba 
nothing left for Christmas. Now let that be understood. 

Margaret — {running to hug his burly old neck) 
Never mind — we shall not miss it. 

(Exit Father, left.) 

Susy — Oh, I think it's just too horrid! 

Bobby — Old man's getting tighter'n ever. 

Susy — (awed) Bobby ! 

Mother — (in a low but severe tone) Bobby, dear, 
how could you? Father feels it very keenly. That was 
why his voice was gruff. 

Margaret — That was why he left the room. 

Bobby — Didn't mean to be ungrateful. Well, I know 
how Father toils. Think, though — not to have a Christ- 
mas! Why, it's just too stupid, Mother! 

Margaret — Well, I think it might be better if we all 
got rid of Christmas — All the fuss, I mean, and shop- 
ping.. Every year it's more expensive. 

Bobby — Oh! Then whatcha crying for? 

(Margaret hastily dabs at her eyes and laughs.) 

Mother — Simply loyalty to Father prompted Mar- 
garet to say it. (To Margaret, with a caressing hand 

2 ©CI.D (33219 

TMP9o-0C70i9 _ 

. : DEC3C 



The Quest of Christmas 



on her shoulder) And we love you for it, daughter. (To 
all.) But I doubt if we, so blessed in our family rela- 
tions, wholly could get rid of Christmas by refraining 
from the shopping. Let us think, and wait, and see. 

(Exit Mother, left, slyly beckoning to Margaret, 
ivho follows. Enter at opposite wing, Little Idea, danc- 
ing to sprightly music.) 

Susy— Bobby! Bobby! Who is that? 

Little Idea — A Little Idea, perhaps you would call 
me. I came into being from no one knows where. No 
money can tempt me; I go where I fancy. For purse 
and pretension Tis little I care. 

Susy — What a pretty thing she is ! Oh, if we could 
only keep her! 

Little Id,ea — I'm very desirable just before Christ- 
mas, and people who capture me find the day bright. So 
don't be a stupid; wake up and pursue me. Just pucker 
your forehead and follow my flight. 

Susy — So I will. If I could catch her! 

(Exit Little Idea, followed by Susy, rear. Enter 
Puck, at right, dancing fantastically.) 

Bobby — Who can that be, now, I wonder? 

Puck — Don't you know who I am? Puck, the soul 
of fun. Want to know a secret? Well, I'll tell you one. 
I'm a friend of Christmas; I know his address. Tisn't 
in a bank book — make another guess. (He starts out, 
making a sportive thrust at Bobby as he goes.) 

Bobby — Wait a minute, little fellow — maybe you 
could help us out. Won't you spend your Christmas with 
us? We should never miss the presents if we seated at 
our table such a jolly lad as you. 

Puck — If you truly want me, look for me— ho ho! 
Where I am invited I'm pretty sure to go. 

(Enter Margaret and Mother L.) 
Mother — Something, surely, we could plan. Darling, 
where's our thinking cap ? 



The Quest of Christmas 



{Margaret puckers her forehead. Enter at right, 
Forethought, with the cap on.) 

Margaret — Oh, where can it be? Why, Mother, 
someone else is wearing it. (Points at Forethought.) 

Forethought — Just a tiny Forethought. That is all 
my name. Thought I might be useful, So, you see, I 
came. (She places her cap on Mother's he-ad and boics 
to do her honor. Then she steps aside and stands puck- 
ering her brow and occasionally moving her lips as if in 
profound abstraction. Enter Co-operation, right, carry- 
ing a pair of scissors.) 

Co-operation — Knew you'd like to have me come. So 
I thought I would. Now you'll work together well, as 
dame and daughter should. Guess my name. 

Mother — Co-operation. 

Co-operation — Right — I thought you would. Look 
— without the other blade, neither's any good. (As 
he speaks, Co-operation holds the scissors open. Then he 
presents them to Margaret and takes his place beside 
Forethought.) 

Margaret — Scissors will be useful, Mother. We shall 
use this pair together. 

(Enter Invention and Economy, both at right.) 
Invention — Invention will come to your rescue when 
Riches and Luxury won't. She's a far better friend to 
have in the end. She grows as you spend; they don't. 
(She unfolds a reindeer pattern cut out of heavy paper.) 
Now, why not a gingerbread reindeer? He's for your 
table, you know. This fellow was seen in an old maga- 
zine. I traced him, to cut in the dough. (She lays the 
reindeer pattern in Mother's lap, and begins to adorn the 
tree with long processions of little reindeer cut out of 
white pcvper.) 

Economy — After the reindeer is cut from the dough, 
Little odd bits will be left, you know. Don't for mercy's 
sake, throw them away. Make them all count for your 
Christmas day. They will make many a star or bell, but 



The Quest of Christmas 



that isn't what I was going to tell. (She unrolls paper.) 
These are the spangles I cut for the tree. Guess what 
they're made of. I give you them free. 

Margaret — Made of something bright and pretty. 
We should have to buy it though. 

Economy — Don't be too sure till you know what 
they are. Here is a yellow one, shaped like a star. Took 
an old syrup can; loosened the label — Result, a bright 
spangle for tree or for table! Pasted two stars back to 
back, as you see. So it's pretty all round as it twirls 
from the tree. (She tivirls it and then hangs it, Uvirl- 
ing, on the tree.) Here is a red one I shaped like a bell. 
Made of a soap wrapper! Now could you tell? Maga- 
zine covers I also find ready to serve an ingenious mind. 

Margaret — What's your name? I'd like to know 
you. 

Economy — You could learn it of your, mother; she 
has known me long and well. 

Mother — 'Tis Economy, my dear. 

(Enter Father and Susy L., with an armful of 
boughs.) 

Father — After all, I brought some green. Thought 
it wouldn't cost a penny. Just to brighten up a bit. (He 
stops, amazed at seeing the company present. Sternly.) 
Then you did invite some guests? 

Mother — Yes, a few good angels, Father, we invited 
unawares. 

(Enter rear, Puck, Bobby and Little Idea, hand in 
hand.) 

Bobby — Hello, folks! You didn't know there'd be 
guests for Christmas, did you? (Stops amazed at see- 
ing those already present.) 

Susy — (clapping hands gleefully) Oh, yes, Bobby, 
yes, we did ! 

Bobby — Guests for Christmas — I should say so! 
Well, you see, I brought you more. 



The Quest of Christmas 



Father — (recognizing Forethought and crossing to 
shake hands with her) This is Forethought, I declare! 

Bobby — (wondering) Father seems to know them, 
too. 

Forethought — Yes, indeed, your loving father is no 
stranger, child, to Forethought. 

Father — Come to think about it now, Fve invited 
guests myself. (He admits at left door, Christmas In- 
spiration, who carries a ham-shaped parcel, tied with a 
narrow red ribbon.) 

Christmas Inspiration — (modestly) Mr. Whitson 
just remembered that you needed some supplies, so he 
purchased them today, thinking they would seem, per- 
haps, in a way, a Christmas present. (She holds up the 
ham.) 

Father — And I think she even whispered in the jol- 
ly grocer's ear , since he tied them up with ribbon. (Ad- 
mitting Pop-Corn Ball at left door.) Then I just re- 
membered Pop-Corn. He's a very wholesome guest, rath- 
er sweet of disposition and so sensible, as well! 

Pop-Corn Ball — You nearly forgot the Pop-Corn 
Ball, who wishes you Merry Christmas, all. Fve wonder- 
ed you didn't prize me more, when Fve been with you 
oft before. Fm white as the troublous cotton snow, that 
some folk put on the tree, you know. Fm fully as white; 
Fm just as light, and I wonder you hadn't found me so. 
But I haven't sulked, nor pined away. Keep light of 
heart, I say. Fm daintier far than heavy sweets, that 
leave you a head that throbs and beats: Fm prettier, 
too, on the Christmas tree, as I twirl and wind and bob, 
you see. (Whirling and bobbing.) Fm a safer thing 
than a candle's glow; I make you grow — like me, you 
know — And Fm nearly as bright as the candle light. I 
wonder you haven't remarked it, though. But I haven't 
sulked at neglect, at all — Keep sweet, says a Pop-Corn 
Ball. 

Bobby — Pop-Corn Ball is a jolly fellow. 



The Quest of Christmas 



(Enter, right, Christmas Carol.) 

Bobby — Who's the latest guest, I wonder? 

(Christmas Carol waltzes to the center of stage and 
sings any good Christmas carol; then recites:) 
I'm just a little Christmas air 
That drifts upon your ear, 
But you're so wealthy, scarcely have you 
Need of me, I fear. 

In a tender thought, in a heart that loves 
Is the key to Christmas Day. 
You're far too rich to need me, so, 
You see, I float away. (Waltzing toward door.) 

(The family intercepts her and brings her back to 
center of stage. Some member recites.) 
You lovely Christmas melody, 
You sha'n't, you sha'n't depart! 
Too sweetly have you charmed the ear 
And hovered 'round the heart. 
In a song that lilts, in a song that thrills, 
Is the soul of Christmas day. 
You tender little Christmas air, 
You've come, you see, to stay. 

(From behind the scenes, at right, they are pelted 
with snowballs by Surprise, who now bounds into view, 
young and rosy.) 

Surprise — Ho — you didn't see me! Thought you 
wouldn't, though. (Pointing at Bobby.) Tell me— <can 
you say my name? Wrong — it isn't "Snow." People 
never guess it — everybody tries. Well, I'll have to tell 
you, then. Poof! I'm Surprise. 

(As he says "PoofV he shakes over them a little 
shower of snowflakes, to the great delight of Bob and 
Susy. Enter four figures, who, standing behind the 
family, draw its five members closer together by joining 
hands and resting them on the shoulders of the five, re- 
citing in unison:) 



The Quest of Christmas 



Even with all the fair host you've assembled, 
Christmas could never be Christmas we fear, 
If we, the sweet Family Bonds of Affection, 
Did not partake your festivities here. 

Father's dear thoughtfulness. toil unremitting, 
Mother's dear tenderness, patience and care — 
These are the things we remember at Christmas ; 
Yet, all the year the kind effort was there. 

Margaret's ready and dexterous fingers, 
Susy's caresses and Bobby's good will — 
These, and the Family Bonds of Affection, 
Bring to the season its grace and its thrill. 

Mother — (wiping her eyes in joy, as her children 
embrace her) Never, in more prosperous days, had we 
half so good a Christmas, had we Father? 

Father — (tenderly) Never, Mother. 

Christmas Carol — 

In a song that thrills with a tender thought, 

A thought that came to stay, 

In a kinder heart and a brighter smile 

Are the keys to Christmas Day. 

(The whole group repeats ivith her the four lines.) 

Bobby — Yes, I guess that Puck was right — Christ- 
mas isn't what you buy; Christmas isn't what you get, 
what you wear, or what you eat. Christmas just is — 
well, it's Christmas. 

(Curtain. All rear exits and entrances may be 
made at the right , if desired.) 



Some Bright New 

Christmas Material 



First Aid to Santa 



By Ethel Sexton. A migfc:/ bright playlet for 3 boys, 
2 girls and 10 acting dolls (girls and boys). Plays 30 
or 40 minutes. Price, 25c. 

The Christinas Chain 

, By Lillian Pearson. A pretty sketch for 14 or more 
children. The Christmas Angel shows her complete 
Christmas Chain to two selfish sisters with happy" re- 
sults. Plays about 20 minutes. Price 23c. 

How the Christmas Song Was Found 

By Lillian Pearson. A simple, but beautiful sketcr 
for any number of children,. 12 required. Shows the 
real spirit of Christmas and tells how the glad 
Christmas song was found. Time, 20 to 30 minutes. 
For day schools or church entertainments. Price 25c. 

Mr. Richey Changes His Mind 

By. Lee Owen Snook. Story of a crabbed, wealthy 
employer and how at Christmas time the memory of 
his mother changed his altitude toward his employes 
from that of a "driver'* to a considerate comrade. An 
unexpected romance develops. 4 males, 4 females, 
and others, either high school or adults, Plays about 
20 minutes. Price, 25c. 



The Little Stranger 



A moving picture Christmas play, by Edna Randolph 
WorrelL This is really a pantomime, the different 
scenes being either announced or shown on screen by 
stereopticon. 4 scenes "The Night Before Christ- 
mas Home of Orphan Children," "The Little Stran- 
ger at the Door," "The Little Stranger Entertains, " 
"Christmas Morning." A pretty entertainment for 
any number of children. Plays about 30 minutes. 25c. 

Ten Good Christmas Pantomimes 

By Ethel Eldridge. A collection that will add novelty 
and effectiveness to your program. Specific direc- 
tions for. pantomiming some weli-kncwn hymns, song«> 
and recitations — "Silent Night," ."Little Town o ; 
* Bethlehem," "When Good Old Kris Comes 'R^und," 

"Favorite Carols," etc. Contains the music a!r?. 40c. 

Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 

944 S. Lcgan St. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



017 400 760 3 

Money-making Entertainment lxoveiues 
for Church, School or Lodge 

Miss Nibbs' Novelty Shop 

By Alta Becker- This is a novel and humorous en- 
tertainment, introducing 'Liza Ann, Miss Nibbs, two 
traveling salesmen, shoppers, mechanical dolls and 
mechancal maid of all work. A good little stunt where 
a short, clean, humorous number is desired. Plays 
about 30 minutes. Price, 25c. 

The Brightville Indoor Chautauqua 

By Bessie Baker and Nellie Hanna. Here is a brand 
new idea for an evening's entertainment. It is in 5 
parts, each part representing a day at Chautauqua. 
Gives wide scope for introduction of large cast and 
many specialties. Complete programs suggested as 
follows: Part 1, Chautauqua Concert Company; Part 
2, Living Pictures; Part 3, Musical Entertainers; 
Part 4, Farmers' Night; Part 5, Coonville Jubilee 
Singers. Price, 35c. 

Sorepaw & Fells Indoor Circus 

By Margaret S. Bridge and Margaret H. Hahn. The 
Grand Annex and Musee, Freaks, Curiosities and 
Monstrosities, never were in it with the marvelous, 
amazing, mystifying array outlined in its pages. Ar- 
tistic, ambling, agile, 'andsome acrobats; cajoling, 
cadaverous, costlyj curious, cunning clowns; Hee- 
Shee, the Monkey Girl of Yucatan; all of these and 
many others will be seen in the Big Peerade before 
the show starts, ladies and gentlemen. Keep to the 
right — don't crowd. Price, 25c. 

As Ye Sew 

A "talking doll" missionary play by Dorothy Crich- 
ton. A lot of fun and some wholesome lessons are 
contained in the conversation of the dolls who dis- 
cuss the motives of their donors. Splendid for Young 
People's or Missionary Societies. 10 girls, 1 boy, or 
all girls. Time, 20 minutes. Priee, 15c. 

Finding the Key 

A dialog and drill for 10 or 12 girls and boys. Suit- 
able for any religious program, but especially for 
Easter. Time, 20 minutes. Deals with problems of 
youth, recreations, etc.; also with those of Commun- 
ity Life and the present spirit of Unrest. Interspersed 
with suggested songs. Drill very effective. 25c. 

Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 

944 S. Logan St. 



